The towns of Kleve and Fitchburg have been twinned for more than three decades, and there has long been a partnership between Fitchburg State University (FSU) in Massachusetts, USA, and Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences (HSRW). By signing a cooperation agreement, both institutions are now taking this partnership a step further.
The agreement sets out a clear framework for exchanges between the two universities, enabling students from both countries to obtain a bachelor’s degree. German students can thus complete a Bachelor of Science in Economics, specialising in International Business and Economics, at Fitchburg State University, whilst American students can obtain a Bachelor of Arts in International Business Administration at Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences.
HSRW President Prof. Dr Oliver Locker-Grütjen expressed his delight: “The towns of Fitchburg and Kleve have been twinned for more than 30 years, thereby fostering friendly relations between the Lower Rhine region and Massachusetts. I am delighted that we are now taking a further step in the cooperation between the two educational institutions to deepen these ties and exchanges.”
The President of Fitchburg State University, Dr Richard S. Lapidus, also sees this as a mutually beneficial relationship, “in which our students and lecturers have taken part in meaningful interactions, both in person and online,” says Lapidus. “This new agreement sets out clear pathways for students from both countries to gain high-calibre academic qualifications and creates enormous opportunities for our future graduates.”
Delegations from the partner universities have already made several visits to each other’s campuses. A group of students and lecturers from Fitchburg State University visited HSRW this spring as part of a course on contemporary European history, politics and economics. The ‘Heart of Europe’ course will next be offered in spring 2025.
Official representatives from both institutions signed the agreement on 23 June 2023. The expanded partnership is to be celebrated at the delegations’ next face-to-face meeting.
